Chapman VW Scottsdale Blog

The new Volkswagen Golf has been given the prestigious 2013 World Car of the Year award. The World Car Awards are voted on by a panel of 66 automotive journalists from 23 countries; these accomplished men and women compared and ranked the overall quality of 42 finalists and concluded the Golf was this years top overall pick. One panelist wrote about the Golf, “if ever there was a car for Everyman, this is it.” The panel also named the Golf a 2013 finalist for the World Car Design award. In response to winning the World Car of the Year award VW CEO Mark Winterkorn said, “To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials.”

The seventh-generation Golf added the latest technologies and kept the features drivers have grown to love. The new Golf has modified its look and has been praised for its new design. VW has also improved the Golf’s fuel-efficiency, increased the amount of interior space and made the car lighter over 200 pounds lighter than the previous generation. One thing that has not changed is the Golf’s incredibly high safety ratings. U.S. News gave the 2013 Golf a 9.8-out-of-10 safety rating and is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety pick. One of the newer technologies utilized to improve the Golf’s safety is impact-detecting technology. Upon electronically sensing an impact, the car cuts off fuel flow to the engine (thus preventing an engine flare up), unlocks doors, and triggers post-impact safety systems. The April 2013 issue of Consumer Reports “recommended” the Golf and gave it a 5-out-of-5 ratings in Owner Cost and Satisfaction. For all these reasons Chapman VW is stocking up on Volkswagen Golfs. To learn more about the VW Golf, visit your Scottsdale VW dealer today.

Most Americans have a bad impression of diesel cars. We think of them as loud, hard to start and foul-smelling. We dislike them for their perceived pollution into the atmosphere. These complaints were fair a generation ago, but today diesel powertrains are on the map for both car manufacturers and efficiency-minded drivers.  However, the actual owners of today’s clean diesels know better. According to cars.com, an impressive 94 percent of current diesel owners would consider buying another one, but only 26 percent of gas and hybrid drivers are willing to think about it. In truth, clean-diesel technology has a promising future. To experience the latest clean diesel technology, visit VW Scottsdale.

The bottom line is that diesels are more fuel efficient than comparable gas cars, and are no worse in terms of emissions and performance. They’re not even particularly noisy. Diesels today run on low-sulfur fuel that’s among the cleanest in the world, and greenhouse gas, nitrogen oxide, and particulate emissions are way down. So we have good reason to like diesels, but only 2.6 percent of cars on the road are diesel-powered, compared to 55 percent in Europe. There are reasons for that, some of them based on misconceptions.

Volkswagen is one of the leaders in the clean diesel market, which can be seen at Volkswagen Phoenix. Volkswagen just released its Clean Diesel IQ survey, which found opinion changing for the better. The survey of 1,511 U.S. gasoline, hybrid and clean diesel drivers revealed that 88 percent of clean diesel drivers believe that clean diesels are some of today’s most fuel-efficient vehicles, and that more than half of gasoline and hybrid drivers agree. For clean diesel drivers, 53 percent listed better mileage as their top clean diesel vehicle attribute. Additionally, more than half of clean diesel drivers who responded to the survey characterize their vehicles as having strong acceleration capabilities.

For more information on clean diesel vehicles, visit Chapman Volkswagen.

Volkswagen’s love affair with diesel technology is nothing new, but the manufacturer has had more success with diesel-powered platforms in Europe than in the United States.  The German automaker hopes to change that with the CrossBlue Concept it unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show early this year.

Expected to arrive your local Scottsdale Volkswagen dealer in a year or two, the CrossBlue Concept is a niche SUV designed to challenge the best in one of America’s toughest segments.  Car and Driver describes the CrossBlue’s U.S. market-inspired design features as including “giant wheel arches, a wide stance, and a generally masculine look.”

Although the CrossBlue is a concept vehicle, Volkswagen characterizes the SUV as being nearly market-ready such that the design should not change significantly from now until production.  For now, the CrossBlue looks like a cross between a Chevy Camaro and a Jeep Cherokee – two of the most well-liked American-made autos.

In terms of performance, expect the Volkswagen staples: diesel fuel and turbochargers.  The CrossBlue is expected to have both four- and six-cylinder options in diesel and unleaded variants.  Although few details are available about the powertrain at this point, expect ample power with excellent fuel efficiency and reliability a la the Volkswagen Golf.  Economy is expected to stand at around 35 miles per gallon, although this number could change as Volkswagen explores powertrain possibilities for the U.S. version.

Interestingly, Volkswagen elected to base the CrossBlue on the flexible architecture MQB platform – the options that this platform affords to the manufacturer promise easy upgrades and low-cost production that should translate into competitive pricing.

Volkswagen anticipates a 20% increase in sales in mid-size crossover SUVs in the coming years.  When the CrossBlue – which will likely be renamed when it enters domestic production – arrives, Volkswagen should become an instant competitor in one of the most hotly contested segments.  Until then, stop by Chapman VW Scottsdale for more information about the CrossBlue Concept or any of Volkswagen’s other tremendous offerings.

The well-loved Beetle GSR will be back for 2014 at Chapman Volkswagen.  The GSR was originally a special Volkswagen Beetle launched in 1972, which proved so popular it sold out in just two months. Much like the original, only 3,500 units will be produced, but this time, they will be sold world-wide.

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR will be the most powerful Beetle in the lineup when it goes on sale in the second half of the 2014. It will feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Along with the blistering engine, the Beetle GSR will feature 19-inch aluminum wheels, six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions, and distinctive gauges to provide readouts for the clock, stopwatch and turbo boost pressure.

Much like original 1970′s model, the latest Beetle GSR will throw on a yellow and black paint scheme, which carries into the cabin. Owners will find black leather trim on the seats contrasted by yellow stitching. This Super Bug also boasts an R-Line dash pad, GSR shift lever and sill plates, leather handbrake lever, and black floormats with contrasting yellow embroidery along with a sequence-numbered Special Edition badge on the steering wheel.

The car will also feature the Beetle’s sporty R-Line bumper package. The Beetle GSR also comes comprehensively equipped with a Fender audio system, xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, and push-button start. A Media Device Interface with iPod cable is also featured, as is three-color ambient lighting and aluminum-alloy pedals.

According to Volkswagen, the 2014 Beetle GSR performs a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.

For more information on the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR, stop by Scottsdale Volkswagen today!

As 2013 rolls along, many of us will suffer from the sobering realization that our New Year’s resolutions did not make it through the month.  One resolution that you should keep, however, is one that you may not even have made: the resolution to take better care of your vehicle.  As the technicians at your Phoenix VW dealer will tell you, a small amount of effort toward preventing mechanical problems is the best way to protect your automotive investment.

J.D. Power and Associates offers the following tips for caring for your vehicle:

Break in your new vehicle properly.  Although this tip applies mostly to owners of new vehicles, the core message applies to everyone: your driving habits have a significant impact on the reliability of your vehicle.  When a new vehicle is delivered, many internal components have not yet worn into place.  Driving too aggressively within the first few hundred odometer miles may not allow seals to properly seat and could cause lasting damage to the engine.  For vehicles with higher miles, erratic driving can cause unnecessary strain to mechanical parts as well as premature wear to parts which are designed to deteriorate, such as tires and brake pads.

Regularly clean your vehicle (inside and out).  In addition to the obvious benefit of driving a nice-looking auto, keeping your vehicle free of dust and debris can reduce the need for future repairs.  Many of the engine’s parts (like the intake manifold, the air conditioner, etc.) need to remain clean in order to function.  Those parts are generally protected by filters which should be periodically inspected and replaced – a simple service available at your local Scottsdale Volkswagen service center.  Keeping your vehicle clean reduces the rate at which filters degrade and reduces the likelihood that debris will find its way into critical sealed areas of the engine, potentially preventing a catastrophic mechanical failure.

Keep a maintenance log.  Perhaps the most oft-overlooked and important part of routine maintenance is keeping a detailed maintenance log.  Even if you do the maintenance yourself, a simple handwritten log of the services performed, odometer mileage at the time of the service, and the date can dramatically improve the resale or trade-in value of your vehicle.  Many warranties even require that maintenance logs are kept for certain types of repairs to be covered.  The owner’s manual of your vehicle probably has a maintenance log template – use it!

Routine maintenance is easy to forget, particularly when your schedule is busy.  The minor inconvenience of regular oil changes and inspections pales in comparison to the headache of major repairs.  Plus, with the fast and affordable service available at Chapman Volkswagen, a resolution to keep your auto in top shape is one of the easiest to keep.

The value of a pre-owned automobile is not lost on today’s buyers.  In fact, the popularity (and value retention) of pre-owned vehicles has never been higher than in the last few years, prompting many manufacturers to offer guaranteed buyback programs at near-market value.  In response to these facts, your local Phoenix Volkswagen dealer now offers a limited warranty package for quality pre-owned vehicles built by other manufacturers.

The new Volkswagen WorldAuto program applies to qualifying pre-owned vehicles, regardless of their manufacturer.  The WorldAuto limited warranty package covers the vehicle for one year or 12,000 miles with only a $100 deductible for service.  The WorldAuto pre-owned certification process always begins with a 112-point inspection by a qualified automotive technician, according to the Volkswagen website.  This means that every pre-owned vehicle that Volkswagen offers, whether originally built by the German manufacturer or not, is placed on the lot only after Volkswagen technicians are convinced that it retains a high level of performance and reliability.

The WorldAuto inventory system provides access to over 2,800 dealerships, ensuring that buyers can find virtually any make and model they desire – your local Scottsdale VW dealer is no exception.  The program also includes rental car coverage of up to $35 per day for ten days, as well as one year of roadside assistance and $50 toward any flat tire, fuel delivery, lockout, jump start, or emergency towing service.  Additionally, Volkswagen sweetens the deal by including three free months of Sirius XM Satellite Radio service and travel protection for trips over 100 miles from home.

Plus, if you do fall in love with one of Volkswagen’s many offerings, the same certified pre-owned warranty applies to qualifying vehicles, but with a two-year, 24,000 mile term.  If you are considering purchasing a pre-owned vehicle but have questions or concerns, the WorldAuto program provides both inventory variety and the assurance of a limited warranty program superior to many of those offered by manufacturers for their own vehicles.  Call or stop by Chapman Volkswagen to learn more about WorldAuto or any of Volkswagen’s other programs and services.

We have all heard it before – check fluids regularly, rotate tires every 5,000 miles, change oil every 3,000 miles – but are service intervals still important for contemporary automobiles?  In a word: yes, but the unique features of your Volkswagen may require adjustments to the classic interval formulas.  A phone call or visit to a local Scottsdale Volkswagen dealer can provide valuable insight regarding your vehicle’s service and the special concerns brought on by driving in the desert.

In the meantime, here are some general tips to follow:

Engine oil replacement.  Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance program suggests oil changes every 10,000 miles.  This is a significant deviation from the conventional every-3,000-miles wisdom of old – a fact which can be explained largely by the precision of contemporary engineering and dramatic improvements in the quality of synthetic oils in recent years.  Engine oil helps to lubricate internal moving parts in addition to trapping and removing dust and other debris which works its way into the engine over time.  Skipping an oil change can cause premature wear to engine seals and other parts, as well as having a notable impact on fuel economy.

Tire rotation.  Volkswagen recommends tire rotation at least every 10,000 miles, although the frequency and nature of the service varies among models.  Some models are designed with unidirectional tires and have smaller tires on the front axle, so rotation is best handled by a Volkswagen service center.  Tire rotation extends the life of tires and can improve fuel economy – tires with improper air pressure can have a significant impact on fuel mileage.

Fluids, filters, and wiper blades.  Particularly in hot and dry climates, fluids, filters, and disposable rubber parts like wiper blades tend to wear out quickly.  Brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and wiper fluid should all be checked regularly: not only are these fluids important for the safety and function of your vehicle – they can serve as early indicators of larger problems (like leaky brake lines or worn-out gaskets) which may cause dangerous system failures or expensive repairs in the future.

Paying close attention to service intervals is important for the performance, safety, and longevity of your automobile.  From timing belts to water pumps and everywhere between, locating problems before they grow is the best way to avoid expensive repairs.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding service, the knowledgeable personnel at Chapman VW can help, and they’re only a click, phone call, or short drive away.

Ten years ago, the engineers at Volkswagen set out to design an off-road vehicle that could handle like a sports car on the street.  What they created is all of that and so much more: the Volkswagen Touareg.

Built on the versatile Volkswagen Group PL71 Platform, the Touareg remained true to its off-road roots throughout the first generation of its production until 2010.  With standard four-wheel drive, automatic locking center differential, and an optional air-suspension system which allowed for adjustable ground clearance, Volkswagen’s developers truly made good on their promise to build a sport-utility vehicle which made no sacrifices for its ability to do everything.

As contemporary tastes have changed, however, so too has the Touareg.  The first-generation Touareg, despite its popularity, did leave some drivers wanting better fuel economy and a little more luxury.  Volkswagen responded with the second generation Touareg, in production from 2011 through the present.

For the redesigned Touareg, Volkswagen’s engineers included a great deal of new technology, including: adaptive cruise control, emergency front brake assist and pre-crash system, lane departure and blind spot monitors, area view cameras, and more.  Volkswagen Media Services also proudly announced the world’s first “Dynamic Light Assist” function, which actively monitors and adjusts the Touareg’s high-beam headlights to ensure that they illuminate the road and surroundings without creating dangerous glare for other drivers.

In addition to new safety technology, the Touareg’s appearance and interior were redesigned to better accommodate the desires of today’s SUV owners.  The base Touareg Sport features heated power seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, rearview camera, and navigation, all standard.  Higher trim levels include numerous additional features, from leather upholstery to premium sound, keyless ignition, panoramic sunroof, and more.

Mechanically, the second-generation Touareg forgoes a manual transmission option in favor of a standard 8-speed automatic.  Engine options range from diesel to hybrid, with a standard 6-cylinder 3.0-liter premium fuel plant between.  The diesel model is particularly impressive with its 28 miles-per-gallon highway efficiency, although every Touareg model competes with others in its class in terms of fuel economy.

Throughout its history, the Volkswagen Touareg has not lost itself: a luxurious, yet versatile sport-utility built on a solid German foundation.  To learn more about the Volkswagen Touareg, call your local Phoenix VW dealer or stop by for a test drive at Volkswagen Scottsdale.

Deciding between a new or used car can be a tough decision. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but you need to decide what is best for you. Buying a car is usually dependent on budget. New cars are more expensive, but may be safer, include the technology you want and require less maintenance. Used cars are cheaper, but may require more maintenance and trusting the previous owner to tell you everything about the car can be tricky.

Advantages of buying new

Made to order

When you buy a new car, you get to decide what features will be included. Do you want cruise control, power doors and locks and Bluetooth? Usually you can add different packages that include these kinds of features. You can also choose the color and model, which isn’t always an option when buying a used car.

Warranty

New cars come with limited warranties so you don’t have to worry about problems you might encounter. When you buy a car from Scottsdale Volkswagen, for example, you get a three year or 36,000 mile basic limited warranty, a five year or 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty or a ten year or 100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation. These warranties will give you peace-of-mind for many years because your car will be taken care of.

Safety & Fuel Efficiency

New cars offer the latest safety technology and best fuel efficiency. Safety is especially important for new drivers, so buying a new car may be the way to go if you can afford it. Also, with gas prices as high as they are, depending on the car, paying a little more for a new car could save you money in the long-run.

Other advantages of going new include lower financing rates, free scheduled maintenance and less time spent on the Internet finding your perfect car.

Advantages of buying used

Price

There’s no doubt that buying a used car is more affordable than buying a new car. If you buy from a private owner, you will avoid paying tax that can add, easily, over a $1,000 to the price of a new car. Cars that are just a year or two old are significantly cheaper than buying the newest model of the same car. Buying a used Volkswagen Jetta that’s only two years old, for example, can save you $8,000 according to kbb.com.

Warranty

The good news about buying a younger used car is that it may still be under warranty. Most warranties will transfer to the next owner if it is still under the noted mileage and hasn’t reached the age limit (typically five to ten years). Make sure to ask the owner for the CARFAX^® so you can determine if the car is still under warranty and if it has been in any accidents. If they don’t have the CARFAX^® get the car’s VIN and check it yourself.

Lower Insurance

Fact: insurance on used cars is less expensive than insurance on new cars. New drivers have high insurance rates to begin with because they are higher-risk. Buying a used car could save you money in the long run because you’re monthly or yearly insurance rates will be lower. It is a good idea to check with your auto insurance company before purchasing a vehicle to get a quote so there are no surprises.

Depreciation

A new car depreciates as soon as it leaves the dealership. The value depreciates the most during the first year. Although the value of a used car still depreciates, you will not experience that initial steep depreciation as soon as you drive away with it.

When deciding whether to buy a new or used car, make a pros-cons list to determine what factors are most important to you. Include things like price, safety, insurance, warranty, fuel efficiency and customizability. If price and insurance are most important to you, buying a used car will probably be the best bet. However, if safety and customizability are more important, and cost isn’t as big of a factor, heading to the Chapman Volkswagen dealer to buy a new car may be the way to go.

Fourteen years of strong sales and worldwide popularity has not stopped the engineers at Volkswagen from tinkering with a good thing.  For consumers, that means a new and improved Volkswagen Beetle.

Available now at your Phoenix VW dealer, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo marks the first time that the New Beetle’s design has been significantly altered since its introduction in 1997.  Featuring longer, sharper lines and emphasized fenders reminiscent of the Mazda RX-8, the 2013 Beetle Turbo goes a long way toward leaving behind over a decade of being overlooked by many because of its “cutesy” styling.

The 2013 iteration of the Beetle is 3.3 inches wider, 7.4 inches longer, and a half-inch lower than in 2012, according to Auto Guide.  The Turbo trim includes upgraded brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, and fully independent rear suspension which reportedly mimics the handling profile of the renowned Jetta GTI.  With 200 horsepower and 0-60 times under seven seconds, drivers should also appreciate the inclusion of a clock with a stopwatch function and lap timer among the 2013 Beetle Turbo’s improved cabin features.

In keeping with the times, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo includes a storage tray which is perfect for cell phones, iPods, or other devices, as well as a smartly placed 12-volt power outlet to keep those electronics charged and ready to go.  Additionally, the Beetle Turbo’s center stack is equipped with an info screen and phone controls for Bluetooth-enabled devices.  Combined with the Beetle Turbo’s sleeker exterior and racecar-inspired aluminum pedals and flat-bottomed steering wheel, the 2013 rendition of Volkswagen’s most well-known and easy-to-recognize street car leaves little to be desired.

Per Volkswagen’s understated marketing, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo is, simply put, “Remastered.”  In nearly every respect, Volkswagen continues to demonstrate the value of quality German engineering.

For more information about the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo, contact Scottsdale Volkswagen or stop by for a test drive.